Platter 5-stars for Steenberg Lady R grande cuvée

Steenberg’s flagship cuvée, Lady R Méthode Cap Classique 2012, strikes a statuesque pose with a 5-star rating in the 2018 Platter’s South African Wine Guide.

One of just three Cap Classiques to be awarded 5 stars by Platter’s 2018, the country’s definitive wine guide, Lady R MCC 2012 is an accomplished masterpiece of celebrated Constantia wine producer, Steenberg Vineyards.

Seriously structured, yet elegant, nuanced and refreshing, Lady R MCC 2012 resonates the spirited life of the feisty Catharina Ras, Steenberg’s 17th century founder. Only the third vintage to be released, Lady R MCC 2012 owes its complexity, texture and richness to the almost five years spent on the lees after secondary bottle fermentation to create the fine bead and lively mousse – a number echoed serendipitously by Catharina’s five husbands. Crafted in the classic French tradition of Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%), from pristine free running juice from whole bunch pressed grapes, this is a grande cuvée of great finesse.

Fermentation of the Chardonnay base wine in old French oak casks lends richness and texture which is offset elegantly by the fresh acidity of the Pinot Noir. Aromatically, Lady R MCC 2012 shows hints of apple blossom, honeysuckle, raspberry, almond puff pastry, citrus biscuits and savoury dried herbs. The textured, racy palate with refreshing acidity is balanced by creaminess and the promise of exceptional longevity.

“There’s a salinity that caries though on the palate alongside restrained oak spices,” says cellarmaster JD Pretorius, adding that Lady R’s effervescence shows finesse with elegantly fine bubbles that contribute to the overall texture of the wine.

The Steenberg Lady R MCC 2012 sells for R470 and is available exclusively at the cellar door. For more information visit www.steenbergfarm.com or join the conversation on Twitter @SteenbergWines and Facebook at facebook.com/steenbergestate.

More about Steenberg Farm

Established in 1682, Steenberg Farm is situated in Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine growing region just 30 minutes from the bustling Cape Town city centre. This world-class property, acclaimed for crafting some of the country’s finest Sauvignon Blanc and Méthode Cap Classique, is home to the 5-star 24-room Steenberg Hotel and Spa. Here guests enjoy understated luxury, spectacular views and discreet, personalised service. Two restaurants, Catharina’s with its fine contemporary cuisine, and Bistro Sixteen82 serving popular bistro-style fare and tapas, offer exceptional dining experiences for diverse palates and occasions.

Issued by: GC COMMUNICATIONS